An event that began in the 1950s — in the days when a "Sunday Drive" was commonplace — returns this weekend.

Organizers of the 2012 Three Rivers Area Fall Color Tour are closely watching Sunday's forecast. Weather, more than any other factor, usually determines the event's attendance.

The tour has a history of weather extremes. Some years, people go to the tour dressed in T-shirts and shorts; other years, it's boots and winter coats, said Christy Trammell, executive director of the tour.

"The middle of October, you never know what to expect, but we're optimistic even though rain is in the forecast," Trammell said.

This year's tour, sponsored by Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce features 15 stops. Trammell said the objective is not to hit every stop, but to focus on two or three. Plan ahead, figure out where to go and in what order, she said.

Most of this year's sites are in western St. Joseph County, with a few over the border in Cass County.

By far the most frequently attended spot is Meyer Broadway Park, which offers a variety of attractions, including pumpkin decorating, a hay-bale maze and hay rides.

As in the past, the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department's scarecrow contest coincides with the tour.

Three new locations join the tour this year: Satori Salon and Spa in Jones; First Presbyterian Church in Three Rivers; and Prairie Ronde Savannah, a Park Township site that strictly limits its availability.

First Presbyterian Church, which marks its 175th anniversary this year, will host a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m.-noon. All other locations are open noon-5 p.m.

"Meyer Broadway Park, Swiss Valley, Corey Lake Orchards Farm Market, Scidmore Park and the Carnegie Center have been a part of the Fall Color Tour for a long time and they're still part of the tour this year," Trammell said. "It's always nice to have those popular attractions back but having new sites keeps a level of interest, too."

The self-guided trip includes the opportunity to visit any of four preserves under the umbrella of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, $25 airplane rides (kids are $5 with an adult) from Three Rivers municipal airport, a view from the copula of the Rouch family home on Abbey Road and attractions and specials at Liquid Therapy canoe and kayak rental, and Riverbend Farm Antiques.

Trammell gave a special thanks to Meijer in Three Rivers for providing doughnuts, cider and other goodies that will be offered at many of the stops.